Selinunte is the ancient Greek city of Selinus which was founded by Doric Greek colonists between 650 and 630 BC. It was one of the most prominent cities in Magna Graecia, second in importance only to Syracuse.

The Carthaginians sacked the city in 409 BC and took occupation. It was destroyed by the Carthaginians in 250 BC to prevent the Romans from gaining it as a prize during the first Punic war.

A small Byzantine Greek village grew up around the ancient ruins from 700 AD. It was destroyed by earthquake in the early 9th century.

Many of the carvings from the temples depicting various scenes from Greek mythology are currently on display in Palermo's Archeological Museum.Howard [ Just Imagine ] 27-Jun-2006

Fined €344 for anchoring too close.

We anchored off here, as suggested in the pilot book, and had had a great tour of the temples.

When we returned to the boat, a Coast Guard vessel came out and fined us €344 for anchoring too close to the shore.

We had heard that Italy may pass a law prohibiting anchorage anywhere in Italian waters within 300 meters of the shore. We were actually anchored 200 meters from the beach.

We aparently had 5 years to pay the fine or we could contest it in writing.

We sent them a long letter and a copy of the page from the guide book. About 6 months later we received a registered letter in Florida telling us that the fine had been anulled.

We could find nothing on the internet about this rule.

After receiving the fine, we moved off to the west and since it was late in the day, decided to stop for the night.

We checked with the radar that we were 500 meters from the shore and dropped a stern and bow anchor to keep us heading into the slight swell.

The coast guard showed up again, to check our address on the form, and I asked for confirmation that we could anchor where we were. The said we could, but only until 0800 the next morning. I asked where we could see these regulations, but they could not tell me.Howard [ Just Imagine ] 27-Jun-2006